Songkran 2014 to Be Celebrated on 5-20 April in Thailand

As the sign of the beginning of the New Year in the traditional Thai calendar, Songkran is the biggest and the most important traditional festival for Thai people. The Songkran 2014 will be celebrated on 5-20 April, 2014. During the celebration, many unique activities will be held, among which, the "Joyous Songkran Splendours" provided by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and local organizations is a can-not-be-missed activity to be held in the locations below:

Traditionally, many Thai people will take this time to get together with family members, thoroughly clean their houses and make New Year resolutions. They will also join in many interesting activities, such as traditional Thai attire, cultural performances, merit making, vibrant parade, beauty contests, sand sculpture contests, concerts, colorful Songkran procession and traditional Mon-style Songkran celebration (at Wat Wangwiwekaram). In some place, elephants will join in, making the celebration more unique and interesting. For people having interests in traditional dance, it is a good idea to visiting Renu District in Nakhon Phanom where the famous "Ram Phu Tai" will be performed, along with a magical "Bai Sri" ceremony.

It is well-known that water plays a large part in the Songkran, making the festival similar to a water fight, and become very popular with younger Thai people and younger travelers from all over the world. During the celebration, people will sprinkle or pour water over the elders and other family members to give good luck, and also sprinkle water to strangers on streets to have good fun. Since April is usually the hottest month of the year, most Thai people are very glad to join in the "water fight".

Tips to Fully Enjoy the Songkran

1. Join in some temple activities, the most important aspects of the festival. Such as, make merit and listen to temple sermons in the morning to get their blessing.

2. Wash the Buddha by pouring water to the torso rather than directly pouring onto the head.

3. Sprinkle water to the hands of the elders over the age of 60 to express respect and seek blessings.

4. Do not pour water offensively or use high-pressure water hoses/guns. And the water shall be clean or mixed with traditional Thai fragrances.

5. Wear lightweight clothes which are easy to dry. Women should avoid wearing tight and/or thin clothes or clothes that are light in color.

7. Take along a small bucket or water gun to join in the interesting water fight.

Besides, Songkran festival will also be celebrated in other countries in Southeast Asia, such as Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia, as well as Yunnan in China around 13-16 April. It’s time to relax yourself in a wonderful "water festival"!